The Knicks are looking for a stellar player to begin their reconstruction in Madison Square Garden. While it may be difficult for the team to acquire a top-5 player in the league, it may find a realistic option in trading for Pacer guard Victor Oladipo.
After losing a full calendar year due to a torn dial in his right leg, the 6-foot-6 All-Star had just returned to action before the season was suspended. What it looks like when (if?) The league returns to play in Orlando, it will pave the way for a possible bidding war in the commercial market.
The Pacers will face a difficult situation with their wage cap in the summer of 2021, when Oladipo becomes a free agent. They already have $ 58 million committed to Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon, which could make it difficult to sign the improved player of 2017-18 with a large contract.
A Western Conference coach recently speculated that if Oladipo “seems the part” in getting back in shape, a team like the Knicks might try to trade for him. SNY’s Ian Begley also speculated that Oladipo might be an option for the Knicks.
The Indiana product had an extraordinary season in 2017-18, earning an All-NBA selection from the third team, along with an honor from the first team’s All-Defensive team. After proving to be a rising star in the league, he suffered a serious injury that creates the risk of being able to reach his All-Star status again.
If Oladipo is doing well in Orlando, expect the Knicks to have their ears open if he becomes available on the commercial market.